'Fox in the box' Evanilson has 'star quality' to replace Dominic Solanke at Bournemouth but Brazilian formation is a warning

Bournemouth fans have been told they have a star on their hands after securing 'boxing fox' Evanilson.

The Cherries have agreed a club-record £40million deal to sign Porto's Brazilian striker.

With Dominic Solanke departure Bournemouth After five years out of action at Tottenham, Evanilson has been signed as his replacement up front.

And European football pundit Andy Brassell told talkSPORT the striker looks set to be a more than capable replacement for the departing Englishman.

“(Evanilson) has a good scoring record over the last two years,” he explained. “He came back from injury last season, but it seemed like he was very tired when he came back to the team.”

“He's a classic fox in the box, a big guy who can defend well. So I can understand why there are Premier League clubs interested in him.”

He added: “I think he's probably one of the cheapest targets as far as centre-forwards go.”

The 24-year-old began his career in his native Brazil, making a total of 26 appearances for Fluminense.

He spent a season on loan at Samorin, before signing for Tombense, although he was immediately loaned back to Fluminense.

His time in the Brazilian top flight came to an end in September 2020 when he signed for Port.

After spending a season in the reserve team, he began to show his quality and made his way into the first team.

Since then, he has enjoyed some impressive seasons in which he has racked up a total of 60 goals in 154 appearances for the club.

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The forward recently made his debut on the international stage, receiving his first senior call-up ahead of the 2024 World Cup. America's Cup.

He made two appearances for Brazil in the tournament, although he has yet to show his full potential at world level, as South American football expert Tim Vickery told talkSPORT.

“He went to the Copa America with Brazil,” he explained. “Because Richarlison was injured on the day he was called up.”

“So they took out Richarlison and brought in Evanilson. Obviously, he didn't do very well in training and so on, because he barely came on the pitch, even when they were looking for a goal.”

Vickery also explained that the striker's career really took off when he left his home country, recalling how his time at Fluminense had been largely disappointing.

He added: “He didn't play much. He scored a few goals, but he was never highly valued. He went to Porto and there he built a very good career as a kind of high-powered striker.”

And for European football expert Kevin Hatchard, Evanilson's quality goes beyond his mere ability in front of goal.

“I like his work rate,” he told talkSPORT. “I like the fact that he always tries to get involved. I like the fact that it's not just about goals. He actually creates goals for others as well.”

“Always active. I think he can deal with the physicality of the Premier League. I think that's not necessarily going to be a problem. He's not as good as Solanke in the air, but that can come.”

“But I think Bournemouth fans will really like him. In fact, I think he has a lot of quality and a lot of potential. And he has played very successful football with Porto.”

It would be Bournemouth's sixth signing this summer, having already signed Barcelona full-back Julian Araujo, Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen and Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison.

They have also made the signings of striker Enes Unal, from Getafe, and Luis Sinisterra, from Leeds, permanent.

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After an extremely difficult start that saw them winless in their first nine league games, Bournemouth bounced back last season to secure a 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

They had mediocre success in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, reaching the fifth and fourth rounds of those competitions respectively.

They are now set to begin their 2024/25 top-flight campaign with an away game against Nottingham Forest, with Cherries manager Andoni Iraola also weighing in as the club look to finalise the deal.

The Spaniard also praised Evanilson and admitted that she could be the next great striker.

“He's a number nine who has experience playing at a high level,” he said. “I think he can help us fill the gap left by Dom (Solanke).”

“You have to replace the best you can and I think the club has followed the plan and done the right thing.”

Bournemouth begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign away to Nottingham Forest from 3pm on Saturday 17 August.

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